Concrete truss

ABSTRACT

A concrete structural framework comprised of a combination of reinforced steel, including pre-stressed and post-tensioned, with high performance concrete (HPC), for use in construction and other industries. This framework provides a highly fire resistant structure that is also resistant to the forces of nature and maintains a high level of structural integrity. The members of this concrete truss are joined or otherwise secured together by monolithic means, welded with badges, rivets, screws, or the like, in a triangular weblike configuration which provides the ultimate support against forces of compression and tension.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

The present application is related to the content of Document DisclosureNo. 525632, filed Feb. 7, 2003.

This is a non-provisional application relating to the content of, andclaiming priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/648,847, filed Jan. 31, 2005, which is incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of manufacture anduse of Concrete Truss that have a longer time period of fire resistanceand thus a high structural integrity. The present invention is alsorelated to methods and the apparatuses for their manufacture within thefield of construction, architecture, engineering and the precast andprestressed and post-tensioning industry. The examples presented areshown for purposes of illustration and not limitation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At the present time there are beams (joist) of reinforced concrete,(made in work, prefabricated, prestressed and/or post-tensioned) ofvarious different sections, including I beams (AASHTO), T beams, TTdouble beams, TY beams, beams in drawer, tubular beams, beams ofvariable section, beams of section with orifices, and hollowcore slabamong others, manufactured by different companies and otherwisecommercially available. However, none considers the Concrete Truss,which has a better structural behavior due to the disposition of eachone of their elements. With smaller quantity of steel and smallerquantity of concrete, one can obtain the same load capacity and evenachieve bigger resistance, (i.e., bigger load capacity due to thedisposition of their elements), depending on the design and particularlyof the depth of the Concrete Truss.

If the presently available reinforced concrete beams manufactured ofconstant section, were compared with the Concrete Truss under the sameloads, the result would be that the presently available beams wouldrequire significantly more steel and concrete volume and also increasethe cost and time of production.

Other types of beams that exist at the present time are trusses builtand designed only of steel or wood. The disadvantages of these materialsare that they are not resistant to fire, have a very high cost ofmaintenance, and are less durable, in comparison with the ConcreteTruss. For the structural design of each piece that are an integral partof the Concrete Truss, they are continued in enunciatively and notlimitative form the structural approaches that are used at the presenttime for concrete and steel.

While there has been a trend to produce more efficient and effectivebeams, further improvements for fire resistance, effectiveness, andlower costs are desirable, and the present invention addresses andsolves the existing problems and provides related benefits.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The objects of the present invention include the following:

-   First.—to develop a Concrete Truss with high resistance to fire.-   Second.—to develop a Concrete Truss with more load capacity and    slighter than the current prefabricated beams of concrete, to    achieve more structural security.-   Third.—to develop a Concrete Truss formed with a series of right    pieces that are joined together by various means, including by means    of monolithic unions, welding with badges, rivets or screws so that    the external loads applied where joined produce direct efforts on    these pieces and that can be used in a great variety of    constructions, inclusive in the foundation of any construction.-   Fourth.—to develop a Concrete Truss that allows the achievement of a    better structural behavior based on the disposition of their    elements.-   Fifth.—to develop a Concrete Truss that provides space inside the    same section to place all type of facilities.-   Sixth.—to develop the apparatuses and methods to manufacture the    Concrete Truss efficiently, as well as to transport, to place, to    vibrate, to carry out the final finish, and to cure the concrete to    build it.-   Seventh.—to develop the apparatuses and methods to manufacture    efficiently, to cut, to bend, to unite, to shovel, to enable, to    prestress and/or to post-tension the necessary steel to build the    Concrete Truss.-   Eighth.—to develop the apparatuses and methods to manufacture a    Concrete Truss efficiently that includes a system for the protection    against the corrosion of the steel in reinforced concrete, as well    as in prestressed and/or post-tensioned concrete.-   Ninth.—to develop the apparatuses and methods to manufacture a    Concrete Truss efficiently that include systems to know the    structural operation of each one of the pieces that form the    Concrete Truss throughout its service life.-   Tenth.—to develop the apparatuses and methods to manufacture a    Concrete Truss efficiently, with which one can be prestressed, each    one or on the whole the elements that compose the Concrete Truss, or    only the necessary pieces according to the structural design and    calculation.-   Eleventh.—to develop the apparatuses and methods to manufacture a    Concrete Truss efficiently, with which one can post-tensioning each    one or on the whole the elements that compose the Concrete Truss, or    only the necessary pieces according to the structural design and    calculation.-   Twelfth.—to develop the apparatuses and methods with which it can be    carried out including the mold for the production of a Concrete    Truss of a measure and certain section and the molds to manufacture    each one of the elements separately.-   Thirteenth.—to develop the apparatuses and methods with which one    can manufacture efficiently to unite each one of the pieces that    compose the Concrete Truss.-   Fourteenth.—to develop calculation methods and software with which    it is possible to design and to calculate a Concrete Truss.-   Fifteenth.—to develop a Concrete Truss that guarantees the smallest    vibration possible of each one of their elements and with it that of    the floors, being able to make the end user feel more secure during    the building's service life.-   Sixteenth.—to develop a Concrete Truss that achieves the in    agreement durability to the applicable norms with a low maintenance    cost.-   Seventeenth.—to develop a Concrete Truss that has longer time of    resistance to fire attack in comparison with the steel truss (joist)    or wooden truss.-   Eighteenth.—to develop a Concrete Truss that has a greater    resistance to the environmental aggressive attack in comparison with    a steel truss (joist) or a wooden truss.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a Concrete Truss integrated by a seriesof right pieces joined together by various means, including by means ofmonolithic unions, welding with badges, rivets or screws. The externalloads applied on their joints produce direct stress on these pieces. Thetotal stress to be supported is distributed to each one of the pieces.Therefore, each piece is designed to resist the type of stress thatcorresponds, specifically tension or compression. This is the reason whythe group of pieces together provides a bigger resistance in comparisonwith the concrete beams that are currently manufactured and commerciallyavailable. The type of support that a Concrete Truss provides will besimple leaning, embedded, jointed, or in cantilever and any supportivecombination thereof. The present invention is a structure that is moreresistant to fire and environmental elements than the current availablesystems. The present invention is also less costly to maintain.

The Concrete Truss is comprised of a bottom chord, top chord and webs.These elements are united by means of monolithic unions, welding badges,rivets or screws. Some work to provide compression and others work toprovide tension. The triangle is the figure that constitutes the basicform of the disposition of the elements of this Concrete Truss. Thesection of each chord or webs contained in the Concrete Truss can berectangular, cylindrical, triangular, of variable section, of section ofany polyhedron, L-shaped, single tee, double tee, inverted tee and itcan also be prestressed or post-tensioned.

The union of each one of the elements can be screwed, riveted, weldedtogether with badges, or it can simply be strained monolithically.Connectors can be placed in the top chord of the Concrete Truss toachieve a perfect union with any flagstone type, as well as for theassembly of the same one. The procedure of production of the ConcreteTruss can be using an adjustable mold of different lengths and it can bebowled or curved in all the edges.

The casting of the concrete can be manual or done with specializedpumping equipment team that is able to place it in each one of thepieces that are part of a Concrete Truss. When one, some or all piecesare required to be prestressed or post-tensioned, a mold can be usedwith adaptations in which one can pretension or post-tension thereinforcing steel.

Some separators can be placed during the casting of the concrete thatguarantee the design cover, which will be able to retire when theconsistency of the concrete is enough to conserve the position of thedesign steel.

Further objectives and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent as the description proceeds and when taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings. To gain a full appreciation of the scope ofthe present invention, it will be further recognized that variousaspects of the present invention can be combined to make desirableembodiments of the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Where a term is provided in thesingular, the inventor also contemplates the plural of that term. Thenomenclature used herein and the procedures described below are thosewell known and commonly employed in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates all the types of reinforced concrete, includingprestressed and/or post-tensioned concrete, that are known to exist asprior art.

FIG. is an illustration of an alternative embodiment in schematic formof the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment in schematic formof the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an outline of a Concrete Warren Truss.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an outline of a Concrete Pratt Truss.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an outline of an alternative embodiment ofa Concrete Pratt Truss.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an outline of a Concrete Howe Truss.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an outline of an alternative embodiment ofa Concrete Howe Truss.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an outline of a Concrete Fink Truss.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an outline of a Concrete Petit orBaltimore Truss.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an outline of a Concrete scissor Truss.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an outline of a Concrete Arch Truss.

FIG. 15 illustrates an outline in general form of the type of union(node) of Concrete Truss in monolithic form.

FIG. 16 illustrates an outline in general form of the type of union(node) of Concrete Truss with welded badges.

FIG. 17 illustrates an outline in general form of the type of union(node) of Concrete Truss, which is manufactured with badges and rivetsor screws.

FIG. 18 illustrates an outline in general form of the type of union(node) of Concrete Truss, which is manufactured in screwed form.

FIG. 19 illustrates in schematic form a segment of a manufacturedConcrete Truss comprised of concrete and reinforced steel.

FIG. 20 illustrates in schematic form a segment of a manufacturedConcrete Truss comprised of concrete and prestressed steel.

FIG. 21 illustrates in schematic form a segment of a manufacturedConcrete Truss comprised of concrete and steel post-tensioning in whichget ready ducts previously, for post tension the steel, once theconcrete has the design resistance.

FIG. 22 illustrates in general form a rectangular section of a segmentof a Concrete Truss, manufactured with prestressed and/or post-tensionedreinforced concrete.

FIG. 23 illustrates in general form a circular section of a segment of aConcrete Truss, manufactured with prestressed and/or post-tensionedreinforced concrete.

FIG. 24 illustrates in general form a section in form of a T of asegment of a Concrete Truss, manufactured with prestressed and/orpost-tensioned reinforced concrete.

FIG. 25 illustrates in general form a section in form of an I of asegment of a Concrete Truss, manufactured with prestressed and/orpost-tensioned reinforced concrete.

FIG. 26 illustrates in general form a section in form of an L of asegment of a Concrete Truss, manufactured with prestressed and/orpost-tensioned reinforced concrete.

FIG. 27 illustrates in general form a section in form of a U of asegment of a Concrete Truss, manufactured with prestressed and/orpost-tensioned reinforced concrete.

FIG. 28 illustrates in general form a section in form of a closedchannel of a segment of a Concrete Truss, manufactured with prestressedand/or post-tension reinforced concrete.

FIG. 29 illustrates a Concrete Truss simple type Pratt straight line,classification isostatic, with monolithic unions type and the section ofthe pieces is rectangular.

FIG. 30 illustrate a Concrete Truss in T type Pratt straight line,classification isostatic, with monolithic unions and the section of thepieces is rectangular with top slab, which can be prestressed and/orpost-tensioned in two directions.

FIG. 31 illustrates a Concrete Truss in double TT type Pratt straightline, classification isostatic, with monolithic unions and section ofthe rectangular pieces, with top slab, which can be prestressed and/orpost-tensioned in two directions.

FIG. 32 illustrates a Concrete Truss in drawer type Pratt straight line,classification isostatic, with monolithic union, section of therectangular piece and with top and bottom slab, which can be prestressedand/or post-tensioned in two directions.

FIG. 33 illustrates an architectural cross section of a building of morethan eight stories with Concrete Truss type Pratt straight line,classification isostatic.

FIG. 34 illustrates an architectural cross section of a building of morethan eight stories with a double TT configuration of prestressedconcrete, according to the prior art.

FIG. 35 illustrates a longitudinal architectural cross section of a sixlaned bridge with two double Concrete Truss TT in drawer type Prattstraight line, classification isostatic. Which serve in passing in theirinterior pedestrian and in the top part in passing vehicular, but othertwo Armors Concrete Truss of double Concrete TT type Pratt straightline, classification isostatic, which serve alone in passing vehicular.

FIG. 36 illustrates a longitudinal architectural cross section relatedto the FIG. 35 of a six laned bridge with two Concrete Truss of doubleTT in drawer type Pratt straight line, classification isostatic, whichserve in passing pedestrian, but other two Concrete Truss of double TTtype Pratt straight line, classification isostatic, which serve alone inpassing vehicular.

FIG. 37 illustrates a longitudinal architectural cross section of a sixlaned bridge with a double TT configuration of prestressed concrete,according to the prior art.

FIG. 38 illustrates a traverse architectural cross section related tothe FIG. 37 of a six lane bridge with a double TT configuration ofprestressed concrete, according to the prior art.

FIG. 39 illustrates a schematic cross section cut of a structure of astorage facility with a mark of a Concrete Truss type Warrenclassification isostatic.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts the perferred embodiment of the present inventiondenominated Concrete Truss in which the right pieces are observed (topchord 5 1, diagonals webs 52, bottom chord 53, vertical web 54),manufactured of concrete 50, reinforced steel 55, and the correspondingcover 56, according to the applicable norms. The present inventioncontemplates that reinforced steel 55 can also be pretressed orpost-tensioned. The pieces are joined together monolithically 71, sothat the external loads applied where they are joined produce stressdirectly on these pieces. The preferred embodiment contemplates that thebasic geometric form of a triangle is used in the disposition of theelements, since it is the only geometric figure that is not deformed.

The elements that are shown in FIG. 1 have a disposition type Warren,they have a rectangular section as shown in FIG. 22, the steel reinforceconcrete as shown in FIG. 19, and the union is monolithic as shown inFIG. 15. Importantly, each element can be prestressed as shown in FIG.20, or post-tensioned as shown in FIG. 21. While FIG. 1 depicts thevarious elements joined together in a monolithic manner, it is alsocontemplated that the elements can be joined by other means, such aswelding with badges as seen in FIG. 16, riveted as seen in FIG. 17, orscrewed as seen in FIG. 18. The main materials that are used in thepresent invention are concrete 50 and reinforced steel 55, taking careof the quality of both materials and their perfect compatibility. Theconcrete is high performance concrete (HPC) that complies withapplicable city building codes and meets standards of durability. Shouldthese standards not be in place for production and/or supply purposes,then the standards will be the applicable international standards usedfor steel, which will fulfill the applicable standards of quality of thecity building code or of the state. Should these standards be wanting,then the applicable international standards would apply.

FIG. 2 depicts concrete beam types known to exist as prior art. Theseinclude a single tee beam 57, a double tee beam 58, hollow core slab 59,rectangular beam 60, a I beam (ASSHTO) 61, beam drawer 62, channel beam63, L-shaped beam 64, inverted tee beam 65, open soul beam 66, beam ofvariable section with holes 67, and beam of variable section 68.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show three embodiments of the present invention inschematic form taking into account the relationship among the necessaryminimum number of pieces and the number of nodes that compose a ConcreteTruss. Triangles are placed in a series where their three vertexes fixthe position of three nodes. For each additional node, two more sidesare required. This relationship is characterized by the formula (1)n=2p−3, where p=number of nodes in the whole structure and n=necessaryminimum number of pieces.

FIG. 3 shows the schematic disposition of a complete or isostaticConcrete Truss that is composed of the smallest number possible ofnecessary pieces to form a complete system of triangles. In FIG. 3, n(necessary minimum number of pieces) is similar to the number that isobtained from the formula (1) n=(2p)−3. For example, this isostaticConcrete Truss has fifteen pieces 69 and nine nodes 70. Applying theformula indicates that the necessary minimum number of pieces isfifteen. (n=(2×9)−3=15). As shown, the outline of the Concrete Truss inFIG. 3 has fifteen pieces. This is the same number of pieces that theminimum number of necessary pieces indicated in the formula (1).Therefore, this is classified as a complete or isostatic Concrete Truss.

FIG. 4 show schematically the disposition of an incomplete or hypostaticConcrete Truss that is composed of a number smaller than the minimumnumber of necessary pieces to form a complete system of triangles. InFIG. 4, n (necessary minimum number of pieces) is smaller than theformula (1) n=(2p)−3 since this embodiment has twelve pieces 69 andeight nodes 70. Applying the formula indicates that the necessaryminimum number of pieces is thirteen. (n=(2×8)−3=13). As shown, theoutline of the Concrete Truss in FIG. 4 has twelve pieces which is lessthan the minimum number of necessary pieces indicated in the formula(1). Therefore, this is classified as an incomplete or hypostaticConcrete Truss.

FIG. 5 depicts the disposition of a superstatic or hyperstatic ConcreteTruss. A hypnostatic Concrete Truss is composed of a bigger number thatthe minimum number of necessary pieces to form a complete system oftriangles. In FIG. 5, n (necessary minimum number of pieces) is smallerthan the formula (1): since it has sixteen pieces 69 and nine nodes 70.Applying the formula indicates that the minimum number of necessarypieces is fifteen. (n=(2×9)−3=15). As shown, the outline of the ConcreteTruss in FIG. 4 has sixteen pieces which are more than the minimumnumber of necessary pieces indicated in the formula (1). Therefore, thisis classified as a superstatic or hyperstatic Concrete Truss.

FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 show in schematic form the typesof Concrete Truss that can be manufactured, according to the dispositionof the pieces that form it. Shown in FIG. 6 is a Warren type straightline. FIG. 7 is a Pratt type with two slopes. FIG. 8 is a Pratt typestraight line. FIG. 9 is a Howe type with two slopes. FIG. 10 is a Howetype straight line. FIG. 11 is a Fink type with two slopes. FIG. 12 is aPetit or direct Baltimore type. FIG. 13 is a scissor type with twoslopes. FIG. 14 is an Arch type. These are some of the types of ConcreteTruss that can be manufactured according to the disposition of theirelements. It is important to note that while the previous various usesof a Concrete Truss are described using a particular type of format(i.e., a Concrete Warren Truss), a combination of the previousdispositions or a union among them are also contemplated and fall withinthe slope of the present invention.

FIGS. 15, 16, 17 and 18 illustrate various examples of joining thedifferent unions or nodes with the elements of a Concrete Truss. FIG. 15depicts a node that unites the diagonal web 52, the bottom chord 53, andthe vertical web 55, in monolithic form. That is to say, the concrete isstrained in the three elements to form a single piece. Another type ofunion is illustrated in FIG. 16 which shows a node joining the diagonalweb 52, the bottom chord 53 and the vertical web 55, by means of a badgeto which other badges will be welded, that are previously strained andfixed to the ends of each one of the elements that form the ConcreteTruss. Another type of union is appreciated in FIG. 17 which depicts anode that unites the diagonal web 52, the bottom chord 53, and thevertical web 55, by means of a badge to which it will unite otherriveted badges or screws that are previously strained and fixed to theends of each one of the elements that form the Concrete Truss. Anothertype of union is appreciated in FIG. 18 which illustrates a node thatunites the diagonal web 52, the bottom chord 53, and the vertical web55, by means of a badge or any other securing means that allows for ascrew previously held in the ends of each one of the elements that formthe Concrete Truss. The unions or nodes illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17 and18 can be reinforced by covering them with concrete to increase thedurability, as well as to increase the resistance to fire once alreadyinstalled and/or mounted in work. These examples are shown for purposesof illustration and not limitation.

FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 in schematic form illustrate some segments ofconcrete in combination with various types of reinforced steel that canbe part of a Concrete Truss. FIG. 19 depicts a rectangular segment ofreinforced steel concrete that has reinforced steel without beingprestressed in the interior. FIG. 20 depicts a rectangular segment ofreinforced concrete that has prestressed steel 76 in the interior. FIG.21 illustrates a rectangular segment of concrete that contain aplurality of ducts 77 that allow the placement of steel inside theinterior of the segment of concrete so that after the steel has beenforged and the concrete has the designed strength, the steel 78 can bepost-tensioned. While these examples show a Concrete Truss used incombination with a particular type of steel, it is also contemplatedthat various types of steel be used with a Concrete Truss in a singleapplication and therefore, such combination also falls within the scopeof the present invention.

Referring now to the FIGS. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28, theseillustrate various alternative embodiments of the different types ofsections that can be manufactured using of reinforced concrete that arepart of the Concrete Truss. For example, the section of a segment can berectangular as shown in FIG. 22, or oval or circular as in FIG. 23. Thesegments can also be configured in a T as in FIG. 24, in an I (AASHTO)as in FIG. 25, in an L-shape as in FIG. 26, in a U as in FIG. 27, or ina closed channel, which can be rectangular as in FIG. 28, oval orcircular. Importantly, any section chosen will be bowled, rounded orbeveled to increase the resistance to the impacts in the edges.

The Concrete Truss can also be classified according to their sectionwhich can include configurations of the type in I (AASHTO), in Tee (T),in double Tee (TT), in L-shape, and in inverted Tee. These areillustrated in FIGS. 29, 30, 31 and 32. FIG. 29 shows a Concrete Trusssimple type Pratt straight line, classification isostatic, withmonolithic unions type 71 and the section of the pieces or segments arerectangular according to FIG. 22. FIG. 30 depicts a Tee Concrete Trusstype Pratt straight line, classification isostatic, with monolithicunions 71 and the section of the pieces or segments are rectangularaccording to FIG. 22, with top slab 78, which can be prestressed orpost-tensioned in both directions. FIG. 31 demonstrates a double TeeConcrete Truss type Pratt straight line, classification isostatic, withmonolithic unions 71 and section of the rectangular pieces according toFIG. 22, with top slab 78, which can be prestressed or post-tensioned inboth directions. FIG. 32 illustrates a Concrete Truss in drawer withslab 78 in the top and bottom part, either of which can be prestressedor post-tensioned in both directives.

FIGS. 33 and 34 show architectural cross section of a building with morethan eight stories, and illustrate distinctly the geometric differenceof an embodiment of the present invention with the prior art. Thestructure of a Concrete Truss (FIG. 33) and another structure accordingto the prior art (FIG. 34), with double Tee beams 58. It is appreciatedthat in FIG. 33, Concrete Truss was also used for the floors 80, as tounite the columns of the foundation 83, by a Concrete Truss 81. It isimportant to note that the foundation 84, is of smaller cost in thebuilding of FIG. 33, the Concrete Truss is a lighter system than theheavier double Tee beam (TT) 58 system occupied in the building of FIG.34 that is developed according to the prior art.

FIGS. 35 and 36 show an architectural cross section and make referenceto a six lane bridge with two double Concrete Truss in drawer 88 typePratt straight line, classification isostatic, which serve to allow forthe passing of vehicles as well as pedestrians but other two doubleConcrete Truss (TT) 90 type Pratt straight line, classificationisostatic. FIG. 35 shows a longitudinal cross section and FIG. 36 showsa cross section. In these imagines can be appreciated the advantage ofcombining two Concrete Truss of drawer 88 and two double Tee ConcreteTruss (TT) 90. The same structure serves in passing vehicular andpedestrian traffic. At the same time, the concrete serves as protectionagainst the corrosion of the steel as well achieve a clearing with moreresistance and with less material, as noted by the level of the water 87observed, the foundation 84 and the slope of the channel 86.

FIGS. 37 and 38 show two architectural cross sections of the prior art.As a longitudinal (FIG. 37) and a cross section (FIG. 38) view of a sixlane bridge with two double Concrete Truss (TT) in drawer 58. Also shownis foundation 84 in schematic form and the slope of the channel 86.

FIG. 39 depicts a section of the complete mark of a Concrete isostaticWarren Truss, for a storage facility of multiple uses, such as a hangaror warehouse, in which each one of the pieces that form the ConcreteTruss is rectangular (as in FIG. 22), formed by the top chord 51, thediagonals web 52, the bottom chord 53, the vertical web 54, as well asin schematic form the foundation column is drawn 83 and the foundation84. FIG. 39 disputes joining of the various pieces monolithically.

The calculation of the Concrete Truss will be according to the currentmethods of structural design for concrete and steel. It will also complywith the standards of a city's building code where the present inventionwill be manufactured, stored, transported, and ultimately placed. Shouldthe city or state not have standards in place, compliance occurs atnational or international levels as deemed appropriate.

The method of manufacturing the present invention uses form works ormolds, preferably metallic. However, it is contemplated that othermaterials such aluminum, glass fiber, wood, plastics, polyethylene,cardboards or any other suitable material can be used and so fall withinthe scope of the present invention.

The Concrete Truss will have fixed or temporary fasteners that help totransport the assembly and placement of each one of the pieces accordingto the current techniques.

The concrete type is substantial and it will be designed according tothe applicable standards, for what it will be able to be in charge ofthe concrete types that the same technology allows us day by day, ashigh performance concrete (HPC). The reinforced steel, includingprestressed and/or post-tensioned, will be designed according to theapplicable standards, for what it will be able to be in charge of thesteel types that the same technology allows us day by day. It is alsocontemplated that other new materials may be used as substitute forsteel and concrete in the future without losing the basic approach of amark integrated by a series of willing and united right pieces joined bymeans of monolithic unions, welded with badges, rivets or screws, sothat external loads applied where these pieces meet produce directstress on these pieces.

All headings are for the convenience of the reader and should not beused to limit the meaning of the text that follows the heading, unlessso specified. The present invention has been described generally andwith respect to preferred embodiments. It is understood that variouschanges and modifications may be made of the disclosed invention withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the presentinvention.

It is well established that the claims of the patent serve an importantpublic notice function to potential competitors—enabling them to notonly determine what is covered, but also what is not covered—by thepatent. And a number of Federal Circuit decisions have emphasized theimportance of discerning the patentee's intent—as expressed in thespecification—in construing the claims of the patent.

But defendants in patent infringement suits—while arguing the importanceof this public notice function—often seek strained and uncharitableconstructions of the claims that would render them either nonsensical,too narrow to have any significant value, or so broad that the claim isanticipated by the prior art.

Accordingly, I wish to make my intensions clear—and at the same time putpotential competitors on clear public notice. It is my intent that theclaims receive a liberal construction and be interpreted to uphold andnot destroy the right of the inventor. It is my intent that the claimterms be construed in a charitable and common-sensical manner. It is myintent that the claim terms be construed as broadly as practical whilepreserving the validity of the claims. It is my intent that the claimterms be construed in a manner consistent with the context of theoverall claim language and the specification, without importingextraneous limitations from the specification or other sources into theclaims, and without confining the scope of the claims to the exactrepresentations depicted in the specification or drawings.

The headquarters building of the World Intellectual PropertyOrganization bears the following inscription: “Human genius is thesource of all works of art and invention; these works are the guaranteeof a life worthy of me; it is the duty of the State to ensure withdiligence the protection of the arts and inventions.” It is my intentthat the claims as this patent be construed—and ultimately enforced, ifnecessary—in a manner worthy of this mandate.

1. A concrete structural framework comprising: a top member; a bottommember; and a plurality of interlacing members wherein said interlacingmembers are arranged in diagonal and vertical positions and connect saidtop member and said bottom member in a webular configuration.
 2. Aconcrete structural framework as recited in claim 1, wherein said topmember, said bottom member, and said plurality of interlacing membersare further comprised of a first layer of steel within a second layer ofa porous material.
 3. A concrete structural framework as recited inclaim 2, wherein said first layer of steel is made up of at least onesteel bar and is reinforced.
 4. A concrete structural framework asrecited in claim 3, wherein said first layer of steel is pre-stressed.5. A concrete structural framework as recited in claim 4, wherein saidfirst layer of steel is post-tensioned.
 6. A concrete structuralframework as recited in claim 2, wherein said porous material isconcrete.
 7. A concrete structural framework as recited in claim 2,wherein said top member, said bottom member, and said plurality ofinterlacing members are joined together monolithically.
 8. A concretestructural framework as recited in claim 7, wherein said top member,said bottom member, and said plurality of interlacing members are joinedtogether with welded badges.
 9. A concrete structural framework asrecited in claim 8, wherein said top member, said bottom member, andsaid plurality of interlacing members are joined together with rivets.10. A concrete structural framework as recited in claim 9, wherein saidtop member, said bottom member, and said plurality of interlacingmembers are joined together with screws.
 11. A method of manufacturing aconcrete structural framework comprising: preparing a mixture of porousmaterial wherein said porous material is concrete; placing at least onesteel bar in a molding; and pouring said mixture of porous material intothe molding to encase said at least one steel bar within said porousmaterial.